Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 3/14 - Loopholes

Given its good reviews, I really looked forward to watching Looper (2012). Although I enjoyed it, I had trouble following the plot. It's another time travel story with fresh spin. The theme has always been problematic. I am skeptical that it will ever be a reality, and even more so of it being as precise as depicted in the film. That said, there are several elements I really liked. There are minimal special effects. Its budget was only 30 million, chickenfeed these days. It doubled its return stateside. The characters are interesting. Most of the violence was filmed from a distance or from the characters perspective, which makes it tolerable. Hats off to Bruce Willis for taking on such an unsavory role and to Joseph Gordon-Levitt for allowing himself to be made up almost beyond recognition to look like a younger Bruce Willis. In the latter stages, the film turns to another common sci-fi theme, which acts as a sort of twist. As for its problems besides the confusing storyline: there is gratuitous nudity. Perhaps it was included knowing that an R rating was guaranteed given the bloodletting and language. The flick was directed by Rian Johnson, who also wrote the screenplay. I am unfamiliar with his other work, but look forward to his future efforts. It is rated 7.6 at IMDb. On a scale of five, I rate it 3.25, which might rise on a second viewing, especially if it includes closed-captioning.

On cue, liberals in the media bashed the selection of the new pope. Of course, they're not fooling anyone. They would be satisfied only if the Catholic Church approved abortion on demand, contraception, gay marriage, and women in the priesthood. Trouble is, where would the millions who oppose one or all of these things turn if the Church caved? Then again, the goal of many liberals is a completely secular society that eliminates God and exalts human elites. It's not complicated. Anyone who does not like the teachings of Catholicism is free to choose another denomination which encourages all of the aforementioned.

Too much wind, not enough sun made for a short session for the floating book shop today. My thanks to Maddy and Herbie, who bought books, and to the FED-EX employee who donated a huge pictorial on Japan's recent earthquake and tsunami. Another day closer to Spring.
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Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 3/13 - Universe

God bless the first non-European, Latino Pope - Francis I.

My thanks to Anita, the Merry Mailwoman, just returned from vacation, who bought a couple of thrillers, and also to Abdul the Friendly Porter, who donated another batch of popular books in excellent condition, and to Moses, who dropped off one. When he asked what I thought of the Conclave, I had a senior moment, no idea what he meant. When I finally regained my senses we agreed that it would be cool if an American became Pope. Maybe next time.

I'm about halfway through the proofread of my near 200,000 word rock n roll epic, Rising Star. Here's another excerpt, about a ten-minute read. Each chapter is preceded by a song lyric. This one may be obscure to all but headbangers. The artist's name will appear at the end.

 30                                          "...All I have to give you is a love that never dies...."*

   "Would you like some more meat, Mitchell?" said Mrs. Zimmerman, reaching for the serving dish.
   "No, thank you. Everything's delicious. I'm just not a big eater."
   "As you can see," said Bonnie, "you and I are in the minority in that respect here."
   The ensuing silence was tense. The entire Zimmerman family was present, including each pair of grandparents and Mark's wife, who was pregnant. Mrs. Zimmerman's preparations were elaborate: three extensive courses served on her best china, fine wine decanted from beautiful carafes into elegant glasses, all spread over her loveliest linen.
   "How long do you plan on staying with your band?" she said.
   "I haven't really thought about it. As long as it's lucrative and fun, I guess."
   "Will you be away long this time?"
   "Three months."
   "That's a long time to be separated from someone you love."
   "We're really lucky in that regard. Some bands tour much longer. I wouldn't enjoy that. I'm really a homebody."
   "My mother's trying to establish how hopeless our relationship is," said Bonnie, smirking. "She'll never forgive you for missing Mark's wedding."
   "I understand her concern. Fell free to ask me anything you like, Mrs. Zimmerman."
   "Thank you. At least one of you has sense."
   He was quietly amused at her domination of the household. The others, including the three generations of lawyers, barely said a word. They seemed uncomfortable with the grilling, which, curiously, made him feel more at ease, as everything was in the open. Bonnie was much more tense than he.
   He liked Mrs. Zimmerman and had realized what strategy to adopt the moment they'd met. To have resisted, to have insisted the relationship would work despite the problems it faced, would have been foolish. He decided that calm, lucid realization would serve best to disarm her. He refused to give her an argument.
   The family sing-along was a disaster, despite Bonnie's desperate effort to make it work. Without Mrs. Zimmerman's lead, the others' participation was halfhearted. Mitchell was unable to bring himself to even hum.
   "Won't you play for us?" said Mrs. Zimmerman, smiling.
   "What would you like to hear?"
   "Anything. We're not fussy."
   "No, of course not," said Bonnie ironically.
   He warmed up by doing several lively glissandos, paused a moment for effect, then went into the Love Theme from Romeo and Juliet. The others were mesmerized. Bonnie was beside herself with glee. She loved him as much for his wit as for his intelligence and skill. She could barely keep from laughing, as none of the others, including her mother, realized the joke being played on them, so stunned were they by the performance. When he finished no one moved. He suppressed a smile.
   "I guess it could've been better."
   "On the contrary," said Mrs, Zimmerman, gathering herself. "It was wonderful. We just didn't expect it. When Leslie brought that dreadful record home I refused to allow her to play it. And that vulgar video -- it's a shame such talent's going to waste."
   Mitchell chuckled, no longer able to restrain himself. He did not know how else to respond, the situation suddenly too absurd to be intimidating. It made no difference to him that she thought less of him because he played in a metal band. His sole concern was Bonnie. He wasn't sure himself if Mrs. Zimmerman wasn't right about the music of Rising Star. In fact, Bonnie hated the music too.
   He was assigned Mark's old room. The shelves and bureau were vacant, the walls bare, imparting a cold, sterile atmosphere, which seemed to reflect Mrs. Zimmerman's attitude toward him. He wished he was home.
   In the middle of the night Bonnie tiptoed into the room and slid into bed. He was still awake, unable to sleep.
   "Excuse my mother," she said softly, cuddling. "She has to butt in. It's her nature."
   "She has every right to. Her reservations are right on the money."
   "You handled her so well."
   "I was trying to show her we're not ignorant of the problems of a show biz couple, that we're not two adolescents blinded by love."
   "I think she got the point, Romeo."
   She put a hand between his legs. He pressed his thighs together, crushing her hand.
   "Stop."
   She propped her chin on his shoulder. "You don't know how turned on I got while you were playing. I wanted to throw you on top of the piano and take you right there in front of them all."
   "Your mother put us in separate rooms for a reason. You know how loud you can get."
   "Let's get back at her."
   He turned to her, angered. "Revenge is no motivation for sex, at least not for me."
   "Come on. When was the last time we did it in the middle of the week?"
   "We can hold out until we're home tomorrow."
   Irked, she nudged him. "I can't believe what a prude you are."
   "How can you say that after all we've done together?"
   "That's it, Romeo, get tough. Juliet's hot to trot."
   He made a face. "You sound like some bimbo in a porn film."
   "What's wrong with you?"
   "Not here. I'm not comfortable. And it's not right to disregard your mother's wishes."
   "Your putz is certainly willing."
   He turned away from her. "No."
   "She probably knows I'm in here, anyway. The walls have ears in this house. I used to put a pillow over my face when I masturbated. I had to risk suffocation to enjoy myself. Come on, she'll assume we made it, anyway."
   "I have no control over that, but I do have control over right and wrong, and this is wrong."
   "Would you've done it if she'd put us in the same room?"
   He turned and looked into the silhouette that was her face. "You didn't ask her to, did you? I can't believe you could be that naive."
   "Naive? Because I want to sleep with the man I love."
   "We're not married, shmuck."
   "Who are you calling a shmuck? She knows we've been sleeping together. Why be hypocrites?"
   "We wouldn't be hypocritical -- we'd be deceitful. This is her house. She sets down the rules here."
   "I can't believe it. You're just as afraid to stand up to her as everybody else in this house."
   "What right do I have to oppose her? I'm not family. I'm a guest. We'll pull over to the first rest stop we come to tomorrow."
   "I can't wait that long."
   He dug his nails into her wrist, forcing her to release her hold. "Go pull a pillow over your face."
   She shoved away from him, spun out of bed, and slammed the door so that the whole house would hear.
   "Shmuck," said Mitchell, dreading the thought of facing Mrs. Zimmerman in the morning.
   Symptom of the Universe by Black Sabbath.
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Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 3/12 - Artistry

With nothing to my liking on TV last, I whipped out one of the music tapes I made years ago, this one circa 1999, #24. It was culled from the usual sources: SNL, Letterman, Leno, Ed Sullivan and PBS, and features just about every genre. Santana, the artist I’ve recorded the most, appears twice and exhibits his usual brilliance. Elvis Costello fronted the Beastie Boys, rocking out to Radio, Radio on the 25th anniversary of the show. Two blind artists, Ray Charles and Dianne Schuur, did a charming rendition of the Isham Jones, Gus Kahn classic, It Had To Be You. The Eurythmics did a medley of their hits, on which Dave Stewart’s acoustic guitar work was crystal clear. There were several clips from the early Doo-Wop concerts PBS used as fund-raisers, before they became nauseatingly glitzy. I especially enjoyed the Cadillac’s antics during Speedo. Having the closed-captioning running had me laughing at racy lyrics heretofore unrealized by yours truly. And those green suits! This was the period when I first learned of Diana Krall. Her set on Sessions at West 54th Street was phenomenal, an incredible display of artistry and fresh interpretation of standards. The Mothership also landed on that great series - George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Not only was the music great fun, the costumes of the huge entourage were colorful and outrageous. One guy pranced about in a large diaper. I also caught a performance of a song from Frank Loesser’s Guys and Dolls I’d previously overlooked, the brilliant Adelaide's Lament, done superbly by Broadway veteran Faith Prince in Betty Boop style: “In other words, just from worrying if the wedding is on or off/ A person can develop a cough.” During a reunion tour, Debbie Harry belted out my favorite Blondie song, Hanging on the Telephone, on The Tonight Show, on which Chris Stein recreated the rip-roaring lead to a T. The tape concluded with a breakneck assault by the Rollins Band, fronted by Henry of Black Flag fame, on a track appropriately titled It's Hard. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone as quick on the fretboard as his guitarist, who looked like Stevie Ray Vaughan. Unfortunately, I was unable to discover his name. For the highlight, I’ve chosen a song that takes rock to a new level, Rhyme and Reason by the Dave Matthews Band. I almost hesitate to do so, as the close-captioning revealed what may be a pro-heroin theme, but the performance is too passionate and the musicianship too beautiful to pass up. I play guitar, but I was completely clueless as to the chords Matthews was playing. I’d guess minor sevenths, but it doesn’t really matter. Whatever they are, the piece is haunting. Enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfJEQo_SNKs

Among Old Simon's donation yesterday was Born Many Times, a book about past lives. I used that theme in a short story, Nowak's Dreams, which is in the A Hitch in Twilight collection. I was unable to determine if the aforementioned was fiction or not, so I researched it on the web. The author, George McMullen, claims to be a psychic who is able to conjure actual scenes involving historical figures. I passed on it, but I'm certain it will attract the interest of customers of the floating book shop, which was rained-out today.
Visit Vic's sites:
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Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 3/11 - Sweet

How sweet it is! as the Great One, Jackie Gleason, used to say. Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Milton Tingling has shot down NYC nanny-mayor Michael Bloomberg's ban on the sale of soda, or pop, as my Midwestern friends call it, in sizes 16 ounces or greater. The judge wrote in his opinion that the rules are "arbitrary and capricious," applying to only certain beverages and only certain stores. I would argue that it's an attack on the freedom to be foolish. I limit myself to about ten ounces a day, even though I long for the stuff. The real crime is having tax-payers pick up the medical tab for those who overindulge in anything. Some believe that is compassionate. I call it enabling.

What a day in the NFL! Division rivals the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers both made eye-opening trades. The Hawks acquired top-notch wide receiver Percy Harvin, who suffers migraine headaches, from the Minnesota Vikings for this year's first round pick and two others. The 9ers got WR Anquan Boldin, who tormented them in the Super Bowl with spectacular catches in tight coverage, from the champion Baltimore Ravens for a sixth round pick. The Ravens would not meet the salary demands of the aging future Hall of Famer. Don't be surprised if both Seattle-San Francisco games are televised in prime time next season. What a rivalry!

Also on the sports front -- an uplifting story out of the NBA. The Dallas Mavericks have signed Chris Wright to a ten-day contract. Despite four solid years as a point guard at Georgetown, the young man went undrafted. He decided to play in Europe. While practicing for a Turkish team, he fell. That night he began experiencing frightening symptoms he did not understand, and went to a hospital. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Many said his career was done. He received treatment in the U.S. and the MS is currently in remission. He went to the D League, the NBA version of the minors, and now has seen his dream come true. Even if he never makes it into a game, he reached the highest level and overcame a considerable handicap to get there. He is an example to all. Kudos.

It was a nice day for the floating book shop. I sold several books and received a substantial donation from Old Simon. He noticed a book on the making of the film Titanic (1997) and mentioned that he'd crossed the Atlantic on an ocean-liner with his mom at the age of two. He was surprised I remembered he sang Yiddishe Mama to passengers. It's something so vivid a writer would not likely forget it. I'll probably use it somewhere other than a blog some day. Thanks, folks.
Visit Vic's sites:
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Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
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Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 3/10 - Oddities

THIS-TV, channel 111 on Cablevision in NYC, broadcasts movies, many of which seem the straight to video variety. I check in frequently while surfing. Last night it offered something with which I was completely unfamiliar: Mad Dog Time, aka Trigger Happy (1996). Here is it’s unbelievable cast: Ellen Barkin, Gabriel Byrne, Richard Dreyfuss, Jeff Goldblum (the star), Diane Lane (last ten minutes), Burt Reynolds (almost unrecognizable), Larry Bishop, Joey Bishop (final appearance as Gottlieb, his real last name), Kyle MacLachlan, Angie Everhart (absolutely smokin'), Henry Silva (began career as perennial villain in 1950), Michael J. Pollard (C.W. Moss in Bonnie and Clyde, 1967), Gregory Hines, Billy Idol (yes, the rock star), Billy Drago (familiar creepy villain), Paul Anka, Richard Pryor (in wheel chair), Rob Reiner, Christopher Jones (26 years since his last appearance, Ryan‘s Daughter, 1970). The movie completely flopped at the box office, probably because it is so odd. It is essentially a gangster film with a high body count, although I could see where it might be interpreted as entirely fanciful, despite being not quite surreal, a session between an insane mob boss and his analyst, although it is never hinted at being such. Gabrielle Byrne stole every scene in which he appeared, often spouting silly rhymes. As Paul Anka is serenading the boss with My Way, Byrne is on stage accompanying and offering bizarre asides. I would not even attempt to rate such a picture, but one thing I will say: I was never bored. I wouldn’t be surprised if it became a cult classic. It was directed by Larry Bishop, Joey’s son, who has only one other credit at the helm, Hell Ride (2008), a biker flick. He has 34 acting credits listed at IMDb, where the film is rated 5.1 of ten. Here’s a photo of Miss Everhart: 

Now that stocks have made an all-time high, I'm wondering if I should sell some of mine. Although unemployment dipped to 7.7, I'm still leery of the fact that there are millions less in the work force than in the recent past and a record number of people on food stamps, the latter probably being government foolishness rather than actual citizens in need. It looks like the FED will keep interest rates low, which is terrible for bank accounts but drives investors to put their money where there will be a decent return. Most of my stocks pay a dividend. The two I'd most like to dump are Citi and AIG, which were slammed shortly after I acquired them. I lost respect for each after the bailouts. Decisions, decisions.

The book sales pattern held on Bay Parkway & 85th: good business Saturday, almost nothing Sunday. My thanks to the young woman who purchased John Gray's Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus.
Visit Vic's sites:
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Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of brooklyn 3/9 - Rising

I caught up to The Dark Knight Rises (2012) last night, courtesy of Netflix. I really enjoyed it. I did not pause the DVD a single time, despite its two-and-a-half hour running time. It had a great villain, interesting story, a twist I did not anticipate (not the final one) and, of course, great effects. I don’t know why I was surprised that Anne Hathaway would make an excellent Cat Woman. She has been wonderful in every film in which I’ve seen her. I respect that Bane is never unmasked. Tom Hardy, who played the role, also did a great turn as one of literature’s great lowlifes, Bill Sykes, in the most recent adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist (2007), a PBS miniseries. I still chuckle at Gary Oldman, another Brit, a master of silver screen creeps, in the heroic role of Commissioner Gordon. I was disappointed in only one aspect of the viewing. These days I leave the close-captioning running all the times, as my hearing is not up to par. There was none on the DVD, and I had difficulty understanding a lot of the dialogue. I did not understand why Cat Woman allowed Joseph Gordon Levitt’s character to arrest her without a fight, when she violently resisted everyone else along the way, including Batman. I hope the film is one day broadcast on regular TV so that I can read what I missed. During it, Bruce Wayne, played by Christian Bale, the definitive Caped Crusader, declares that Batman is an idea, not an individual. Does this mean the next celluloid incarnation of the alter ego will be someone other than Wayne, perhaps Levitt’s character? How would diehards react to that? Maybe it's time to retire the series. It's hard to imagine topping the most recent trilogy. On a scale of five, I rate The Dark Knight Rises four. It is rated 8.6 of ten at IMDb.

Yankees haters like me have been encouraged by their difficulties this spring, but now that the great Mariano Rivera has announced his retirement I see another scenario - the final pitch of his storied career closing out yet another World Series title for the Bronx Bombers. Say it ain't so, Joe.

It was a gorgeous day, and a successful one for the floating books shop. Jack of Chase Bank was not working today, but the security guard bought a couple of paperbacks. A gentleman purchased three non-fictions, including Rudy Giuliani's Leadership. Another purchased Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley and Ron Powers, and Folly and Glory by Larry McMurtry. He was two years behind me at Lafayette H.S. and asked for advice for his daughter, 33, who writes. I told him to have her look me up on the web. I' ll answer any and all questions. Last but not least, Bad News Billy showed and bought the Ultimate Jazz CD I keep on file in Windows Media Player. He's treating a bad cold with streptomycin. Thanks, folks.
 Visit Vic's sites:
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Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
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Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3

Selling My Books on the Streets of Brooklyn 3/8 - Guest

Born in 1936, Judith Guest has written five novels and one book of non-fiction on family. Her first, the gut-wrenching Ordinary People, was a critical and commercial success. Published in 1976, it was adapted to the silver screen in 1980. It was Robert Redford’s first directorial effort, and he won an Oscar. The film was also named Best Picture, and Timothy Hutton was named Best Supporting Actor. I just finished her most recent effort, The Tarnished Eye, published in 2004. It is the story of the Sheriff of a rural Michigan area trying to solve a multiple homicide. It works both as a mystery and an examination of the man’s psyche, which has been damaged by a devastating personal loss similar to what the family in Ordinary People suffer. The prose and dialogue are solid and unpretentious, written with great care. The book’s 267 pages read more like 200. It is based on a crime that remains unsolved, but the author does not leave the reader unsatisfied in that regard. I wonder why Guest has written only six books. That seems rare these days when many writers bang out a book or two a year. I’ve been lucky in my last two mystery choices. Lawrence Sanders’ McNally’s Secret is clever light entertainment, and The Tarnished Eye is a serious examination of the most frightening aspect of human nature. On a scale of five, 3.75. It's transcends the genre.

Rand Paul, Republican from Kentucky, has garnered positive and negative reaction to his near 13-hour filibuster protesting the possible use of a drone strike against citizens on American soil. The gabfest delayed the appointment of the new CIA chief, John Brennan. I’m not sure how I feel about the issue. Suppose a terrorist group is holed up in a remote area and refuses to surrender? Wouldn’t a drone strike be preferable to a gun battle in which lawmen might be killed? And there’s only one thought I have regarding a politician speaking for more than a few minutes: Pass the hemlock. It is entertaining in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), where the filibuster runs for approximately 20 minutes of screen time and is interrupted by scenes that occur outside the Senate, but I’m certain I wouldn’t have watched had the entire marathon been represented, despite the noble intentions.

Mark Simone made an interesting point on his radio show this morning. Tired of the dire warnings about the sequester’s effects, he said that the cost of security for Obama’s round of golf with Tiger Woods was about the same as running the White House tours for an entire year. The priorities of politicians are, of course, far different than the public's.

It’s not a lot of snow, at least in Brooklyn, and it will melt quickly, but it is annoying. I hope the weekend forecast is correct. I need relief from the gloom, and I miss selling books on the street, even though it's frequently disappointing.
Visit Vic's sites:
Vic's Third Novel (Print or Kindle): http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
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Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3